by C. J. Thomas
My mind swirled as I adopted a sullen look. We passed a couple in the park lounging on a blanket, enjoying what appeared to be a lighthearted, romantic picnic lunch. Cuts of cheese were spread across a plate and they each held a glass of wine. It looked relaxing and was the kind of day I wished I was having.
But, instead, I was dealing with mixed emotions for the man I wasn’t supposed to let my heart be falling for.
The more time that passed, the more questions I had for him. There was so much I needed to talk to him about. It sickened me to think that I’d become one of those clingy girlfriends in only a short time. I despised those women.
But that was how I felt, and I wanted to lay my claim over him before another woman did.
How serious was he about me? And did he think of me as more than just an escort he could rent through Madam’s services? I wanted to know. No. I needed to know. If I knew where he stood, then I could know where to stand.
As soon as we pulled up in front of the hotel, I knew that my chances of finding Kelly here were better than anywhere else at this point. He did say that his penthouse suite was his home-away-from-home, and since I didn’t know where his main place of residence was, this was my only shot to knock on his door. And, besides, it was also safe for me to assume that this would be the place he would want to end our night. If he played his cards right.
When I pulled on the car door handle, it swung open and the driver turned his head over his shoulder. “Would you like me to wait for you again?”
My tongue wet my lip, as I felt bad for stealing his day away from other customers. But I hated driving in the city and I needed to get around, so I nodded and said, “Thank you.” He seemed like such a nice guy. I knew that I needed to do something nice for him.
“Not a problem. I’ll park over there.” He pointed to the corner parking lot off to the side of the building. “Take your time.”
I dug in my purse and pulled out the last of my cash, slipping him all three twenties as a special appreciation for being so patient with me today. “You’re a doll,” I said, sliding out of the vehicle like a snake slithering to the ground.
I fixed my hair and smoothed my hands down the front, feeling somewhat embarrassed for wearing only a petty chiffon tassel dress that fell just above my knees. It was nothing compared to how Giselle looked. And after all the running around I had been doing, I was sticky with sweat. If it weren’t for the perfume sampling from Madam’s guy at the warehouse, I would have needed to stop to get myself some deodorant. I could only hope that Kelly wouldn’t think that I looked as disgusting as I felt.
With the front entrance in my sights, I realized that I was beginning to drag my feet. A hesitation sent waves of doubt over my body as I was suddenly very aware of the fact that I was about to barge in on his residence with accusations flying.
If he didn’t already think I was a bit crazy, he would after today. And maybe, if I didn’t damper some of the anger I was feeling boiling over inside, he would think twice about wanting a relationship with me.
The fear of our relationship ending so soon was real, especially since I was already busy stalking him because I questioned his trust. But I pulled the front door open with gusto, telling myself, “Fuck it. He’s the one who has some explaining to do. Not me.”
I marched with my shoulders rolled back and my head held high.
How real was this man who had managed to grab my attention for longer than one night? And was he worth the internal struggle I’d been dealing with since the Madam dropped the bomb of the client’s crime he was representing?
If anyone could persuade him to think otherwise, I thought maybe I could be the one he’d listen to. Though I didn’t want to have to tell him the story of my past. I wasn’t ready to share that just yet—if ever. Hell, I couldn’t even find the courage to break it all down for Alex, and she was my best friend, the one who I should be telling first. If anyone had to know, it would be her.
As for Kelly, maybe we weren’t to that point in our relationship where I could offer advice unsolicited, but at least if I did, I’d know just what kind of man he was and whether or not he would be willing to take a woman’s advice.
My chest tightened and I suddenly felt thirsty as a rush of emotions hit me like the strong impact created from a car crash. And the further I walked into the hotel lobby, the heavier it felt.
Past memories came back in a flood, remembering the night I rushed out after Kelly set off the trigger of my rape. Or the way I felt after the night he brought me back for a do-over, the way he unraveled me with orgasms that left me breathless and seeing stars. The highs and lows were the definition of our budding relationship and I was undecided on whether or not that was a good thing or not.
A couple burst into laughter at the bar and I turned my head to find them snuggling, wrapped up inside each other’s arms. Then I couldn’t escape wondering if I was right about his penthouse being a fuck pad, a place he seduced women. When I’d asked about it, Kelly had blown it off like the master lawyer he was, deflecting the question entirely with an answer of his own, but maybe I was right? Faces of joy surrounded me and I could only hope that soon I’d join them in laughter and happiness that they made look so easy to find.
“Hi.” I stepped up to reception. “I’m here to see Kelly Black.”
The woman behind the desk smiled. “Kelly Black, you said?”
I nodded and watched her fingers work the computer keyboard. “I’m sorry. He’s not expecting any more visitors.”
“More?” My voice raised an octave, surprised to hear that maybe he was in fact here, now, inside the building. “Does that mean he’s here?”
She just stood there frozen with a closed-lip smile.
“Look.” I swallowed down the sandpaper scratching the back of my throat. “He’s expecting me.”
“And you are?” She raked me over with judgmental eyes.
I thought about whether or not it was worth saying I was family in hopes it might give me the response I wanted, but I wasn’t sure I was willing to risk the fallout if she were to ask for some kind of identification. “A friend,” I said. “A really close friend.”
“I’m sorry. Without explicit instructions from Mr. Black, no one is to visit him.”
“What can I do?” I leaned forward, silently pleading with her to allow me access to the private elevator.
“Call him and tell him you’re here. But, without his approval, you’ll just have to wait.”
“I don’t have a phone,” I lied.
“I’m sorry. My hands are tied.”
“Don’t you remember me from the other night?”
She gave me a strong, searching gaze before shaking her head.
“I was here with him. Twice. I’m a regular visitor.” I knew that was a stretch, but the way I saw it, I didn’t have anything left to lose. “Always with Kelly. Can you at least call him yourself, or tell me if he’s in or not?”
Her brow wrinkled. “I can’t give out private information on our guests without violating hotel policy.”
I pushed away from the desk, cursing under my breath. This was so messed up. People who followed the book must lead boring ass lives, I thought, knowing she wasn’t going to give up Kelly’s whereabouts. “Live a little,” I mumbled just as my cell started ringing in my tote bag.
The lady behind the desk scowled—learning I lied to her about my phone—as I dug it out, answering the call. “What’s up, bitch?”
“Kendra, not now.” Alex’s voice spat through the tears I could hear falling.
“What’s wrong?” My heels clacked across the marbled flooring as I moved to a quieter area of the lobby.
“I thought this was over.” She sniffled.
“You thought what was over?” My posture stooped.
She completely broke down and there was nothing I could do to comfort her. When she needed someone to hold her, I was stuck with only words. “Breathe, baby. Tell me what’s wrong.”
I
could hear her wipe her mouth before saying, “It’s about Nash.”
My heart stopped, thinking the worst. “Tell me everything. Is he okay?”
She let out a heavy sigh. “I don’t want him to go to jail.”
“Why would he go to jail? Did something happen?”
“Kendra, where are you? I need you.”
“I’m trying to get up to Kelly’s place.”
“Why shouldn’t I be surprised?” She laughed for the first time, making me feel better about whatever was going on.
I crossed my free hand across my belly and lowered my voice. “Now, tell me what’s going on.”
“Some people came looking for Nash. They had questions about what happened. You know, with the money and Nash’s involvement.”
“I’m sure whoever they were, they just want to get to the bottom of it.” Then I thought about it some more. “Were they cops?”
“Lawyers.” I heard some papers crinkling in the background. “Look, I’m just finishing up work. Can you stop by my place when you’re finished? I really need to see you.”
“Yeah, sure,” I murmured.
“I’m worried sick for Nash’s future and feel completely helpless knowing that he’s so far away when all this shit is happening without him knowing.”
“You should call him,” I said, seeing my way to Kelly open up before my very eyes.
“Maybe I will. But I need you here.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” I told her that I loved her and hung up to find a couple making their way toward the private elevator that would take me up to Kelly’s place.
The woman behind reception was busy with a customer so I hurried to the elevator, catching up to them just as he swiped his special entry card over the detector. I played cool, like I owned the place, and they didn’t ask questions as I watched the doors close.
My mouth curved into a knowing smile, like I’d just gotten away with murder.
Finally, I was going to get my chance. I knew Kelly was here. I could smell him. And the receptionist should have known that she gave too much information away. It was she who led me to sneak up to his floor in the first place.
The couple that provided me the lift got out on the floor below Kelly’s and I stayed on until the next floor, knowing exactly where I was going. When the doors slid open, I could still see inside my mind the flower petals Kelly had scattered on the floor, leading in a long trail to his front door.
I followed that trail, the trail that only I could see, with a beating heart full of excitement to see him. It felt like it had been so long, and despite knowing that the reason I was here wasn’t great, I still couldn’t wait to be standing next to him.
Then I heard his door open.
My gait slowed to a crawl as I watched another woman leaving. As soon as she turned, she held her head high and walked a straight line, heading directly for me.
My eyes were wide and I couldn’t help but feel heartbroken, thinking the worst. Assuming that Kelly had been with her while making plans to be with me later, my insides twisted with agony. It hurt to think that maybe I wasn’t his only fling. That he had others and that all his promises were superficial.
Her hair was balled on top of her head but I could imagine long brunette curls bouncing off her shoulders if she would let it down. Then I watched her head tilt and her eyes squint. “Do I know you?” she asked.
I blinked. “No. I don’t think so.”
“Huh. I guess you just have a familiar face.”
“I guess I do,” I said, glancing around her to see if Kelly would be coming out next. The door remained shut but the woman must have connected the dots, assuming I, too, was heading to Kelly’s place.
“Ahh … I see.” She nodded.
My brows knitted.
“I know this might sound weird, seeing as we don’t know each other and all. But keep your distance from him.”
I arched a brow. “And if I don’t?”
She leaned in, her breath sending jitters down my neck. “Then you’ll be the next one to go.”
35
Kelly
As soon as the front door closed, my forehead hit it as I let out a sigh.
My visit with Sylvia didn’t go as well I thought it would. Nothing could have prepared me to learn what she divulged.
Worry sent heartburn spreading across my chest as I blamed myself for getting her involved in Maria’s murder case. Even though it was she who had initially brought me the crime scene photos, I was the one needing to know more about the information she had worked tirelessly to gather. Without Sylvia, my defense for Mario wouldn’t be as strong, and that, too, was disheartening.
I splayed my fingers, bracing my weight against the frame, letting my posture stoop further down the door.
This was quickly getting out of hand. I thought about how quickly it all seemed to be spiraling down the drain with a clenched stomach. I was concerned about the death threats she’d received, needing to find a way to keep her working the case as an investigative reporter. But, of course, I first wanted her to be safe. And with the look in her eyes when she broke the news to me, I knew that it was no longer a possibility.
My eyes closed, letting my mind race.
It wasn’t that she was weak. I knew she was the best they came. Right up there with Julia Mabel. Women like them had to be strong to do their work. They were harassed, intimidated, and offered bribes daily. Threats like the one she received, well … this was new to me.
I pushed off the door and turned to face the open living area of my penthouse, my hands on my hips.
It was important I kept my head straight when filtering through this tangled mess. And when I looked on the bright side, I was convinced maybe this was for the best. Then at least the detectives and other proper authorities could take over the investigation where Sylvia left off.
But that would require letting them have what she’d already found, and with her recent threats against her life, I knew that convincing her to report this—or hand anything over to the authorities—wasn’t going to be as easy as I’d like it to be.
My ears perked when I caught wind of a conversation coming from the hallway. Slowly, I turned and pressed my ear against the door to see if I could hear what was being said.
There was enough chatter to recognize both their voices. My heart skipped a beat and my manhood thickened—Kendra.
What was she doing here?
Reaching for the door handle, I flung it open to find Sylvia standing there with a smug look on her face. Over her shoulder, Kendra’s eyes locked with mine, then the elevator doors opened and she disappeared inside.
“Kendra!” I held up my hand, rushing toward her. “What did you say to her?” I demanded, rushing past Sylvia. But by the time I reached the elevator it was too late.
I was surprised to see her. The date I’d requested wasn’t until later tonight. I wondered how she’d found me, and what was so important that couldn’t wait. It seemed as if she was always running away from me, and that was enough to keep my fist clenched. If Sylvia was the reason for her to run today, she should realize that I was working.
“You know her?” Sylvia asked, sauntering over to me.
I jabbed at the button to retrieve the other free car, hoping it would arrive shortly so I had a chance at catching Kendra before she got away. “What did you say to her?” I growled at Sylvia, thinking that she had something to do with Kendra wanting to flee.
“Nothing.” Sylvia looked at me with innocent doe eyes. “Just that I thought she looked familiar.”
The elevator dinged open and I stepped inside, dragging Sylvia with me. I couldn’t afford to have her stay on the exclusive floor without supervision. She stumbled into the car behind me without protest, and soon we were on our way down to the lobby.
“Who is she?” Sylvia leaned into the corner with crossed arms.
The floors counted down and all I could think about was getting to Kendra. Why couldn’t she have
just called? I knew how it looked. She already thought my penthouse was my fuck pad. And now with Sylvia coming out just as she was arriving, this one wasn’t going to be easy to explain or convince her otherwise.
“You’re not going to tell me?” Sylvia huffed.
“It doesn’t matter,” I grumbled with my blood thrashing between my ears.
Finally, the car slowed to a stop and I wedged my body through the skinny slit as soon as the doors showed signs of opening. I immediately caught sight of Kendra’s small frame and my legs picked up the pace, knowing she was only a few steps away from reaching the exit, leaving me to dwell in my own thoughts of self-doubt. My legs widened their stride as I was nearly at a running pace. “Kendra, wait!”
She glanced over her shoulder, saw me, and stopped.
My chest heaved as I fought to catch my breath, putting the brakes on once I was within arm’s reach of her.
“I’m not happy with you, Kelly.” She pursed her pouty lips and I wanted nothing more than to press mine against hers.
The crease between my brows deepened as my eyes darted across her face. She was so beautiful; sun-kissed skin whose softness I could still feel on the tips of my fingers. “What are you doing here?”
She flipped her long beautiful hair over her shoulder and said, “I needed to talk to you.”
“Did you get my gift?” I reached out to touch her but she pulled away, leaving me feeling empty inside.
“I did.”
“So we’re on for tonight?”
She flashed me a questioning look.
“Bella, tell me what has you bothered.”
A man in a business suit walked past and as soon as he was out of earshot Kendra said, “I can’t explain it here.”
With her unwillingness to explain, I could only guess what the hell happened to have her so concerned and needing to talk. It seemed urgent and I didn’t like knowing that she was feeling so distressed and unwilling to let me help.
This time a woman passed close-by and Kendra dropped her voice. “Everyone is watching us.”
